Frequency of Using “JEJEMON WORDS” and its Effect to the Spelling Activities of

Junior High School Students of Laboratory High School

Chapter 1

Introduction

Overview

Learning and teaching grammar is an important aspect of language learning. It is not

enough to know how to translate words into different languages. One of the aims of language

learning is to help students learn effective communication, thus learning the correct grammar is

essential. As noted by many grammarians, studying a second language primarily consisted of

grammatical analysis and translation of written forms. Developed for analysis of Greek and

Latin, this approach divided the target language into eight parts of speech: nouns, verbs,

participles, articles, pronouns, prepositions, adverbs and conjunctions. Learning the language

required study of the eight categories in written text and the development of rules for their use in

t However, when 18th century grammarians moved beyond the Greek and Roman classics and

began the study of English, again using the eight categories to generate grammar rules, it became

clear that the parts of speech could not be used as effectively to analyze a language in which

word order and syntax produced grammatical function and where rules often had multiple

exceptions. Nonetheless, this traditional approach remained the basis of instructional pedagogy

in the United States and England until recently (Howatt, 1984), and is still being used in a

number of countries as the primary method of English instruction. This is particularly true for
many English as foreign language (EFL) classrooms, where English is learned mainly through

translation into the native language and memorization of grammar rules and vocabulary.

Today, grammarians have been able to use modern pedagogical grammars for teaching

and learning. Pedagogical grammars generally describe the full structural complexity of any

given unit (Swan, 1995), but significant differences may emerge in the distribution of potential

elements in actual discourse.

As mentioned, one of the defining characteristics of a modern pedagogical grammar is

that it provides descriptive information which is helpful for learners of the language. With this

definition, this paper will try to compare the helpfulness of two pedagogical grammars by

describing the features of transitivity of verbs and passive voice. However, with the emergence

of the jejemon languages, educational authorities are trying to convey its effect on the students.

For brevity, I will limit this article to Jejemon language, which for lack of grammatical “canon”

on how to call it, I will call it the “Jejenese” and their alphabet, “Jejebet.

The Jejenese is not just confined to Pinoy Jejemons. Just before I wrote this, I played

“Warcraft” and found a European opponent who enjoys typing “jejejeje” in a very wide context,

much to my disdain as he sabotages my online quests. Another group of foreign Jejemons,

although their Jejemonism seems so trivial to actually classify them as Jejemons, are the Thais

who type “hahaha” this way: “5555.” You will see a lot of these in your Thai friend’s Facebook

status messages. Since, the number 5 translates to “ha” in Thai, as explained by my friend

Pakorn Dokmai. I’m sure many of you have personal encounters with other foreign Jejemons, be

in Manila or abroad. So we can assume that Jejemon is a worldwide phenomenon.

 Text messaging is the first ever evidence that the Jejemons are not just fictional creatures;

they really emerge. They have a set of eyes (and obviously the time) that can easily decipher the

word hidden in jumbled letters, alternating capitalization, over-usage of the letters H, X or Z and

mixture of numeric characters and our normal alphabet. To be able to understand Jejenese or to

Jejetype is definitely a skill.

RESEARCH LOCALE

The study was conducted at Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College-Laboratory High

School in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur during the academic year 2019-2020.

Researchers conducted their study in this school because it is known for its warm and

approachable hospitality. Also, it has students who are helpful in providing the answers that

researchers want to master and consider to their study. This study serve as a reminder and helps

the younger generation to improve their spelling abilities and to use the appropriate words

respectively. Also the purpose of the study is to approach students to know the advantages and

disadvantages of ‘jejemon’ in the society and to have enough knowledge on how, when and

where they use jejemon words.

On behalf of our subject teacher, everlasting support of parents, community, and public

sector. We are asking for the permission in this mentioned school for the purpose to help the

students to lessen the usage of jejemon words.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of ‘jejemon words’?

2. Is these words really helpful in the progress of the students ability to spell?
 3. How to avoid using ‘jejemon’ words?

4. Is it useful in communicating and relating to other people?

5. Is there a possibility that using these words affects the vocabulary strength of a student?

SCOPE AND LIMITATION

The study focuses on what are the benefits you can possibly get in using ‘jejemon words’

in communicating and texting in everyday use and its bad effect on students of Laboratory High

School Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur.

There will be five(5) selected junior high school students that was involved in the study

from Laboratory High School, Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur with the age of 13-15 years old.

We interviewed our selected respondents face to face interview according to the

formulated questionnaire, so that we researchers can see the feelings, the truth behind their

mouth and the knowledge that they have to provoke towards others, that is checked and corrected

by Dr. Arlene P. Ablog.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Spelling is a big deal in terms of relating and responding to someone. It is important to be

aware on what you are telling to other people because there is a possibility that both of you

cannot understand each other because of the exaggerated words and spelling that you are

expressing to someone you want to talk to. Through this study, students will understand more

and gain more knowledge about how bad ‘jejemon’ words is.

This research believes that this study will be beneficial to the following:
Parents. This study helps them to focused on the right and appropriate spelling ability of their

children. Because learning and gaining knowledge is coming first to them. To provide support

and endless care to the future of their children.

Teachers. This study helps them to teach their students on the appropriate spelling of the words

that helps student to go out to their shells and explore more consistent and meaningful life. To

provide support for the improvement of their students.

Students. This study helps them to know the importance of study in today’s generation. To

respect and acknowledge the value of spelling to them. To lessen the usage of ‘jejemon’ words.

Community. This study helps them to know on what are the advantages and disadvantages of

using ‘jejemon’ words in relating and texting to someone else. To improve their communication

skills and to embrace the reality that they live in a very judgmental world.

Future Researchers. This study will really help them a lot to conduct their research exquisitely

and more relatable to everyone. To give more knowledge and wisdom to the future generation.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

For the better understanding of different terms used in the study, the following are

defined as:

Jejemon. Is a popular culture phenomenon in the Philippines. It also a person who has managed

to subvert the English language to the point of incomprehensibility.

Jejebet. The ‘jejemon’ alphabet.

Jejenese. Is the language used by jejemons/jejemonsters.

Jejemonism. - a severe typing disorder where the affected person adds more characters than the

word's normal spelling.

Jejetype. Not proper use of letters and making the words exaggerated.